In a pioneering examine, researchers have leveraged drones to seize unprecedented footage of narwhals utilizing their iconic tusks in shocking methods. Revealed in February 2025 in Frontiers in Marine Science and coated by The New York Occasions, this work reveals the whales chasing Arctic char, gorgeous prey, and fascinating in what resembles play—all filmed from above in Canada‘s Excessive Arctic. For drone professionals and fanatics, this showcases the ability of UAVs in unlocking secrets and techniques of elusive species, mixing drone know-how with marine science.
Drones Unlock Narwhal Secrets and techniques in Creswell Bay
The analysis occurred in Creswell Bay, Nunavut, in August 2022, led by Greg O’Corry-Crowe of Florida Atlantic College. Utilizing a DJI Phantom 4 Professional+ V2.0 drone flown at altitudes of 65 toes (20 meters) or greater, the staff recorded narwhals in shallow, clear waters beneath steady daylight. With assist from native Inuit communities, they focused this recognized summer season habitat, yielding among the clearest narwhal footage to this point.
Narwhals, with tusks as much as 10 toes (3 meters) lengthy, are notoriously arduous to check. “They’re extraordinarily shy and elusive,” says Kristin Laidre of the College of Washington, not concerned within the examine. Their deep dives and distant haunts thwart conventional strategies, however drones supply a non-invasive answer, a boon for wildlife monitoring.
Tusk Strategies: From Looking to Playtime
The footage unveiled assorted tusk makes use of. In a single statement, narwhals chased an Arctic char, nudging it gently with tusk ideas or shafts, typically slowing to maintain it simply forward. Cortney Watt of Fisheries and Oceans Canada famous, “We have been hesitant to make use of the phrase ‘play,’ however that’s actually what it seemed like”. Contrastingly, one other sequence confirmed narwhals putting fish with fast, forceful tusk blows—5 hits in a single case, twice with the tip and thrice with the shaft—gorgeous prey earlier than consuming it.
The examine’s ethogram cataloged 17 behaviors, together with extended pursuits (over 5 seconds) and fast faucets (beneath 5 seconds). One narwhal hit a char 12 instances with precision, flipping it briefly with out deadly intent. Social dynamics emerged too—older narwhals guided youthful ones, whereas aggressive blocking steered advanced interactions.
Gulls Add Drama to the Hunt
Glaucous gulls sophisticated issues, diving to steal fish from narwhals within the first recorded kleptoparasitism with this species. In a single occasion, a gull disrupted a pursuit, letting the char escape. Profitable narwhal catches typically occurred under the floor, past the gulls’ attain, highlighting a tactical shift in looking technique.
Drone Expertise’s Function in Discovery
The DJI Phantom 4 Professional+ V2.0, an older however very succesful DJi drone, delivered high-resolution footage over 20-minute flights. It tracked narwhals’ agile turns—as much as 360 levels in beneath 3 seconds—enabled by lateral physique rolls. This builds on prior UAV work, like 2016 footage of narwhals gorgeous Arctic cod, increasing prey insights to char. Priced at roughly $1,500 USD in 2022, it’s an economical device for such missions.
Market and Regulatory Implications
This examine underscores drones’ rising position in marine analysis, a part of a drone business projected to succeed in $42 billion by 2025 (Statista). Arctic-ready UAVs want enhanced batteries and sturdiness—areas for innovation. In Canada, Transport Canada mandates permits for drones over 0.55 kilos (250 grams) close to Wildlife, and this examine adhered to Fisheries and Oceans Canada guidelines (Allow A-22/23-002-NU). Streamlined Arctic laws might enhance future efforts.
Infrastructure and Future Prospects
Arctic fieldwork leans on logistics like Canada’s Polar Continental Shelf Program, with prices doubtless topping $50,000 USD, factoring in assist from Nationwide Geographic and others. Everlasting bases might reduce bills, although excessive circumstances problem feasibility. O’Corry-Crowe plans extra UAV research to discover climate-driven prey shifts, probably pairing drones with underwater tech for deeper insights.
A New Lens on Narwhal Life
This drone-powered analysis reveals narwhals’ tusks as versatile instruments—for looking, educating, and probably play—whereas spotlighting UAVs’ transformative position in science and analysis. Because the Arctic evolves, drones will monitor these shifts, merging know-how with conservation.
Photograph courtesy of New Scientist
Uncover extra from DroneXL.co
Subscribe to get the newest posts despatched to your electronic mail.
